Varnish roan

An appaloosa form of roaning with dark varnish marks on the bony points.

Varnish roan: An appaloosa form of roaning with dark varnish marks on the bony points.

What does this colour look like?

Intermixed white hairs over the body, but with dark zones (varnish marks) on the bony prominences: head, shoulder, hip. Part of the leopard complex, not classic roan.

Body
roaned with dark bony points
Mane and tail
mixed
Skin
mottled
Eyes
white sclera

How does this colour arise?

An appaloosa roaning in which bony points stay dark.

More about the genetics

Varnish roan is an LP expression and, unlike classic roan, does change gradually. Distinguished from classic roan by the dark varnish marks and mottled skin.

What is this colour often confused with?

  • Roan

    In roan, white and coloured hairs mix on the body, while head and legs stay coloured.

  • Grey

    A grey turns whiter year after year, whatever colour it was born.

  • Leopard

    A white coat covered with rounded coloured spots, like a leopard.

Which breeds show this colour?

Appaloosa

Discover more

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Sources: UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory · Sponenberg, D.P. & Bellone, R.R. (Wiley-Blackwell).